When is it time to retire?

[Bretman]

Make it a requirement to ump. Different agencies around the world weed people out all the time with physical ability test..So could the big orgs in softball.

Why stop there?

Let's force coaches to take a mandatory IQ test, along with a Briggs-Meyers Personality Test to see if they have the right temperment to be around kids.

Now, we're probably not going to have enough umpires or coaches to play half our games.

[GIMNEPIWO]

Was caught up in the visual of the ump playing free willy that I never answered the OP ?.
I think there should be a physical as well as rules test to start the season for the umps.

Agreed .... Umpires should have to pass the same rigorous physical conditiong as Police Officers ...

[lvtwft]

Make it a requirement to ump. Different agencies around the world weed people out all the time with physical ability test..So could the big orgs in softball.

Why stop there?

Let's force coaches to take a mandatory IQ test, along with a Briggs-Meyers Personality Test to see if they have the right temperment to be around kids.

Now, we're probably not going to have enough umpires or coaches to play half our games.

It would be a bad thing to have umps in shape enough to actually ump a game??
Why is that?
I agree some coaches ride the short bus, but most do not get paid to do this. Umps do and I hope when I pay for something they are capable of doing that job.
We are not asking them to run a marathon or be any kind of athlete, just in shape enough where we know they can do what they were paid to do.

What do you suggest to make sure they are physically capable of doing doing that job?

[CrushersDad]

Which city? I know an umpire very much matching this description..

The tournament was at Lindhurst High School in Olivehurst, CA. Tourney dates 3/19 and 3/20.

[Bretman]

It would be a bad thing to have umps in shape enough to actually ump a game??
Why is that?

Did I anywhere in my post suggest it would be a bad thing to have physically fit umpires? Now you're putting words in my mouth and just making stuff up.

I agree some coaches ride the short bus, but most do not get paid to do this. Umps do and I hope when I pay for something they are capable of doing that job.
We are not asking them to run a marathon or be any kind of athlete, just in shape enough where we know they can do what they were paid to do.

So, pay is the deciding factor?

Are you suggesting that getting a few measly bucks outweighs the negative impact a bad coach can have on his players?

Do you mean to tell me that if you have a kid playing softball, you are in no way, shape or form paying for that experience?

Regardless of pay, if you're going to test one group who may have an impact on the game and the players, why would you not want to test another group that can have just as large an impact?

What do you suggest to make sure they are physically capable of doing doing that job?

I don't have to suggest anything because I'm not the one making this proposal.

One recent count I heard stated that there are over 100,000 amateur umpires in this country. Unfortunately, the only one I can do anything about is myself.

I'm in good shape and can probably outrun any player on the field. I attend rules meetings, clinics and classes and make it a point to study and know the rules. I even volunteer my own time to conduct classes for new umpires. That's about all I can do, personally, to ensure that I'm the best umpire I can be.

The other 99,999 are on their own.

[Rounding 3rd]

Coaches are held accountable to a higher test—the parent test. If a coach is incompetent then players/parents move on—simple as that. They chose on who or what they want to endure. In a way, It’s in self regulating system. Not perfect but it does attempt to weed out coaches that truly don’t know the game. Now this does not include Asshat coaches. There are plenty of lets say, “non people person” coaches but parents/players seem to tolerate those attribute deficiencies if the coach proves to know the game and has a successful track record.
I am in no means excusing incompetency in coaches. IMO If you’re not going to take the time and learn to teach the game--- get off the dirt!!

The issue with Blues is different, IMO its what Lvtwft states---umps get paid to do a job. measly or not they get paid. All I ask is to earn your pay by doing two things. 1) know the rules and 2) be able to execute proper umpire mechanics. Were I get cranky is when these paid umps use the ASA rule book to swat the flies from their FREE snack bar hot dogs.
Judgment?? We all make wrong decisions and I can, and do excuse umpires occasional bad judgment however, if a blues bad judgment was because he was unable or unwilling to get into proper position then to me that’s inexcusable. Your getting paid—do your job
Read the rules and get into position to execute proper umpire mechanics. Seems like a very simple requirement IMHO

With all that said—It should be noted that the game cannot be played without the blues and for the most part they work very hard and like most coaches, love this game. Win or lose I will go out of my way to track down a blue and commend him/her on a great effort.
Although there is a difference in opinion on this subject with Bretman I love his approach of doing everything he can to be the best he can be---- I wish everyone—Coaches and Umpires took that attitude.

[lvtwft]

Wow you got excited didnt you. Sorry if I assumes you were against this with your sarcastic post...I apologize..

Are you suggesting that getting a few measly bucks outweighs the negative impact a bad coach can have on his players?

NO, but you can assume I meant that. It is easier to regulate the umps than it is the coaches.
Why? I am glad you asked, because only ASA as I know of requires any coach to take a test to be one(be it a silly little test).
Every org that I know of requires some standard for the ump.

I as a parent has the choice to pick my coach I want. I can not pick and choose the ump (wish I could at times). Therefore I would hope the T.D. I am paying to play does that for me in good taste.
I do not know how the T.D. works with umps in your area, but where I am from they get a list of available umps through the UIC for that area that can ump that tourney/game.

I am glad you are in shape and have the ability to out run the kids you ump. Being an umpire you can do more if you want. Speak with your powers to be when you see a fellow out there that should not be. "hey boss man, I think Danny is having a hard time working behind the plate now a days. Perhaps we should limit him to the B.P". Now you worried about 2...99,998 more to go. We are making progress all read y..

P.S. Rounding 3rd very well put...

[umpinva]

Which city? I know an umpire very much matching this description..

I'm location curious also. I assigned two older umpires in a tournament this past weekend.

[slapperdad]

Speaking for myself, I'll quit officiating when I meet one of two criteria:
1. When it's no longer fun.
2. When I can't physically keep up.

As an official, we've all worked with guys who are weak, physically unable to perform, got their license 30 years ago and are still going with that first year's experience. I assure you there is no one any more pissed off than his partner. Unfortunately here's the deal, being an official is a tough job, jerk fans and parents don't make recruiting new guys/gals very easy. There is a serious shortage looming in the not too distant future. I urge everyone who thinks the officiating is weak, to put their money where their mouth is. Spend a few bucks, take the test and do it. We can always use good officials, and as we get more good officials, the weak ones usually fall by the way side.

[MTR]

1. Any game official should step aside when not capable of doing the job, physically or mentally.
2. Size is irrelevant.
3. Running should not be confused with hustle.